United States to Provide “Significant Number” of ATACMS Missiles to Ukraine, Says National Security Advisor
The United States to Provide “Significant Number” of Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine
In a significant development, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced that the United States is now in a position to provide a “significant number” of long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine. These ballistic missiles, produced by Lockheed Martin, are a crucial capability that Ukraine has been requesting since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
The ATACMS missiles have a range of 185 miles, which would enable Ukraine to strike key supply lines in Crimea and potentially target Russian positions from within Ukrainian territory. The missiles could even reach as far as Moscow, a move that the Kremlin had previously warned against.
Speculation about Ukraine receiving ATACMS missiles has been circulating for months, but Sullivan confirmed that they were first shipped as part of a presidential drawdown authority package in March. This decision came after the Pentagon discovered $300 million in unaccounted-for “cost savings.”
President Biden made the decision to send the missiles after consultations between the National Security Council and the Defense Department. The escalating conflict in Ukraine, with Russia using long-range ballistic missiles and targeting energy infrastructure, played a significant role in the decision-making process.
Sullivan emphasized that disclosing the specific number of ATACMS missiles provided to Ukraine could give the adversary an advantage on the battlefield. He also highlighted the sensitivity and limited production capacity of these missiles compared to traditional ammunition.
The provision of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine marks a significant step in the ongoing conflict, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities. This move is expected to have a significant impact on the dynamics of the conflict and could potentially shift the balance of power in the region.
